Storage unit with light-emitting components

ABSTRACT

A device or unit with a lighting component is provided. The device includes coupling components that couple the device to stackable storage unit containers. In one embodiment, the device includes a battery interface to couple to a battery for power tools. In one embodiment, the device includes three lights that are pivotally coupled to the housing between a retracted position in which the lights are disposed against sidewalls of the housing, and an open position in which the lights are pivoted above the top panel of the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/180,328, filed Feb. 19, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/809,287, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,962,218, filedMar. 4, 2020, which is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/US2020/020970, filed Mar. 4, 2020, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/814,685, filed Mar. 6, 2019, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/815,749, filed Mar. 8, 2019, each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed generally to the field of toolstorage systems and related devices. The present disclosure relatesspecifically to a device or unit that includes one or morelight-emitting components, and a coupling mechanism to detachably couplethe device to another such device or container, such as a tool storagecontainer in a modular tool storage system.

Tool storage units are often used to transport tools and toolaccessories. Some storage units are designed to incorporate into amodular storage system. Within a modular storage system, differentunits, devices and/or containers may provide varying functions, such asbeing adapted to provide light.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, a stackable lighting unit is configured tocouple to a stackable storage unit. The stackable lighting unit includesa housing, a bottom surface defined by the housing, and a first lightpivotally coupled to the housing. The bottom surface includes couplingcomponents that couple the bottom surface of the stackable lighting unitto a top surface of the stackable storage unit. The first light rotatesabout a first rotational axis with respect to the housing.

According to another embodiment, a container assembly includes alighting unit. The lighting unit includes a first housing, a bottomsurface defined by the first housing, and a first light pivotallycoupled to the first housing. The bottom surface of the lighting unitincludes a first coupling component. The first light pivotally rotatesabout a first rotational axis with respect to the first housing. Thecontainer assembly also includes a storage unit. The storage unitincludes a second housing, a storage space defined within the secondhousing, and a top surface of the storage unit defined by the secondhousing. The top surface includes a second coupling component. Thelighting unit and the storage unit are coupled together by a firstcoupling component of the lighting unit interfacing with the secondcoupling component of the storage unit.

According to another embodiment, a stackable lighting unit is configuredto couple to a stackable storage unit. The stackable lighting unitincludes a housing, a bottom surface defined by the housing, a firstlight coupled to the housing, and a battery interface configured tocouple to a power tool battery. The bottom surface includes couplingcomponents that couple the bottom surface of the stackable storage unitto a top surface of a stackable storage unit.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from the description or recognized bypracticing the embodiments as described in the written descriptionincluded, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood thatboth the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understandingand are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Thedrawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with thedescription, serve to explain principles and operation of the variousembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting unit according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lighting unit of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a side view of the lighting unit of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lighting unit of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a side view of the lighting unit of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lighting unit of FIG. 1 with the toppanel removed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lighting unit of FIG. 1 with the toppanel removed.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the lighting unit of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 is a side view of the lighting unit of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 10 is a back view of the lighting unit of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 is a back view of a lighting unit according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view the lighting unit of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a modular storage systemthat has a light according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the portion of the modularstorage system and light of FIG. 13 .

FIGS. 15 and 16 are perspective views of a portion of a modular storagesystem that has a light according to another embodiment

FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view of the portion of the modularstorage system and light of FIGS. 15 and 16 .

FIGS. 18-20 are perspective views of a portion of a modular storagesystem that has a light according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are perspective views of a portion of a modular storagesystem that has a light according to another embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of a modular storage systemthat has a light according to another embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of a modular storage systemthat has a light according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are perspective views of a portion of a modular storagesystem that has a coupling mechanism according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are perspective views of a portion of a modular storagesystem that has a coupling mechanism according to another embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a modular storage system.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment foruse with the modular storage system of FIG. 29 .

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment foruse with the modular storage system of FIG. 29 .

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a modular storage system includingeither of the lights of FIG. 30 or 31 .

FIGS. 33-35 are perspective views of a light according to one embodimentfor use with the modular storage system of FIG. 29 .

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment foruse with the modular storage system of FIG. 29 .

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment foruse with the modular storage system of FIG. 29 .

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment foruse with the modular storage system of FIG. 29 .

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a light according to one embodiment foruse with the modular storage system of FIG. 29 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, an embodiment of a stackablelighting device, container or unit is shown. One or more of the devicesare configured to selectively couple and decouple with storage units.The stackable device couples with storage units and includes one or morelighting panels that can be used to illuminate nearby objects andsurfaces. In one embodiment the lighting unit has multiple lightingpanels that are each pivotal with respect to the housing, and aninterface to receive power from a power tool battery.

FIGS. 1-4 depict a stackable device, shown as lighting unit 10. Lightingunit 10 includes primary light panel 32, which pivots with respect tohousing 62 about axis 34. Left-side light panel 36 pivots with respectto housing 62 about axis 38, and right-side light panel 40 pivots withrespect to housing 62 about axis 42. Primary light panel 32, left-sidelight panel 36 and right-side light panel 40 each actuate between aretracted position (FIG. 1 ) and an open position (FIG. 3 ). Whenprimary light panel 32 is in the retracted position, primary light panel32 is pivoted against or near back surface 68 defined by back panel 66.Similarly, when left-side light panel 36 is in the retracted position,left-side light panel 36 is pivoted against or near left-side surface 22defined by left-side panel 20, and right-side light panel 40 is in theretracted position, right-side light panel 40 is pivoted against or nearright-side surface 68 defined by right-side panel 66.

To extract primary light panel 32 from the retracted position, a usercan interface with tab 64, which protrudes from primary light panel 32above back panel 66. In a specific embodiment, left-side light panel 36pivots with respect to housing 62 about axis 38 and is also rotatableabout axis 70 (FIG. 3 ). Similarly, right-side light panel 40 pivotswith respect to housing 62 about axis 42 and also rotates about axis 72(FIG. 3 ). In a specific embodiment, left-side light panel 36 pivotsabout axis 38 and rotates about axis 70, which are perpendicular to eachother. In a specific embodiment, right-side light panel 40 pivots aboutaxis 42 and rotates about axis 72, which are perpendicular to eachother.

In a specific embodiment, axis 38 that left-side light panel 36 rotatesabout is parallel to axis 42 that right-side light panel 40 rotatesabout, and both axis 38 and axis 42 are perpendicular to axis 34 thatprimary light panel 32 rotates about.

Lighting unit 10 includes a top panel 12 that defines top surface 14.Top surface 14 comprises one or more coupling components 28, shown asrecesses with two ledges that overhang the recesses. Coupling components28 interface with corresponding coupling components on a bottom surfaceof another unit, such as a storage unit, to couple lighting unit 10 tothe storage unit. For example, coupling components 28 interface with astorage unit that includes coupling components 30 (e.g., like shown inFIG. 11 ).

Front panel 16 defines front surface 18 of housing 62. Handle 44protrudes from housing 62 and can be used to carry and/or move lightingunit 10.

Turning to FIGS. 5-6 , door 46 encloses electrical interface 48, shownas a plug, personal electronic device interface 50, shown as aUSB-compatible plug, and compartment 52, which is dimensioned to store acellular phone being charged via personal electronic device interface50.

Turning to FIGS. 7-10 , depicted are various aspects of lighting unit10. FIGS. 7-8 depict lighting unit 10 with top panel 12 removed. FIG. 9depicts the left-side of lighting unit 10, including door 54. Door 54actuates between a closed position in which battery interface 56 isenclosed, and an open position in battery interface 56 is accessible. Ina specific embodiment battery interface 56 is configured to interfacewith a rechargeable battery for personal power tools (e.g., a batteryfor a wireless drill).

In one or more embodiments the light panels of lighting unit may beilluminated in various combinations as a result of one of a plurality ofmodes being selected. For exemplary purposes only, in a first mode allthree of primary light panel 32, left-side light panel 36 and right-sidelight panel 40 emit light, in a second mode only primary light panel 32emits light and left-side light panel 36 and right-side light panel 40emit light, and in a third mode only left-side light panel 36 andright-side light panel 40 emit light while primary light panel 32 doesnot emit light.

FIG. 11 depicts various aspects of lighting unit 10, including aplurality of coupling components 30. Coupling components 30 areconfigured to interface with the top surface of other units, such asstorage units, that include coupling components 28.

FIG. 12 depicts lighting unit 80. Lighting unit 80 is functionallysimilar to lighting unit 10 except as described herein. Lighting unit 80includes recess 82 from which projections 84 extend. In a specificembodiment, projections 84 are configured to receive a power cord thatis wrapped around projections 84.

In a specific embodiment, the panel in left-side light panel 36 andright-side light panel 40 that emits light is 60 mm wide and 100 mmtall, from the perspective of left-side light panel 36 and right-sidelight panel 40 being in the retracted position. In a specific embodimentthe panel in primary light panel 32 that emits light is 280 mm wide and105 mm tall, from the perspective of primary light panel 32 being in theretracted position. In a specific embodiment the power tool battery andthe sidewalls of the battery compartment are 25 mm apart, and the bottomof the power tool battery and the bottom of the battery compartment is15 mm apart. In a specific embodiment the panels of primary light panel32, left-side light panel 36 and right-side light panel 40 that emitlight include a heat sink (e.g., a 6061 aluminium alloy) behind thelight-emitters (e.g., LEDs), a reflector behind the light-emitters(e.g., PC ABS), and a lens in front of the light-emitters.

In various embodiments of lighting unit 10, the lights, shown as lightpanels, are selected from the group consisting of an area light (e.g., alight that illuminates 360 degrees), a flood light (e.g., a light thatilluminates 180 degrees) and a focused light, such as a task-focusedlight (e.g., a light that is focused to an angle between 90 degrees and120 degrees). In a specific embodiment of lighting unit 10, lightingunit 10 includes one area light and one task-focused light. In anotherspecific embodiment of lighting unit 10, lighting unit 10 includes onetask-focused light and one light selected from the group consisting ofan area light and a flood light.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate a modular storage system 100 including a light102 according to one embodiment. The lights 102 of FIGS. 13-14illuminate the path in front of a user while moving the modular storagesystem 100. The light 102 may also be oriented to illuminate a desiredarea when the modular storage system 100 is stationary. In theillustrated embodiment, the light 102 is configured to emit 300 lumensbut other or additional embodiment may emit more or less lumens. Thelight 102 according to the embodiment in FIGS. 13-14 has one or morelight-emitting diode (LED) locations that are built into the modularstorage system 100.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate a modular storage system 104 including a lightaccording to another embodiment. The lights of FIGS. 15-17 illuminatethe path in front of a user while moving the modular storage system 104.The light may also be oriented to illuminate a desired area when themodular storage system 104 is stationary. In the illustrated embodiment,the light is configured to emit 300 lumens, but other or additionalembodiment may emit more or less lumens. The light 106 according to theembodiment of FIGS. 15-17 has one or more light panels 106 that arehoused on the sides of the modular storage system, are foldable (e.g.,moveable or pivotable) relative to the movable storage system 104, areuseable while being transported or while stationary, and are integratedin the full system.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate a modular storage system 108 including a lightaccording to another embodiment. The light of FIGS. 18-20 can illuminate360 degrees as an area light or can be a task focused light and have abeam angle of between 90 degrees and 120 degrees. As shown in FIGS.18-20 , the light includes one or more panels 110 (e.g., three panels)that are foldable (e.g., pivotable) and rotatable relative to themodular storage system 108. For example, turning to FIG. 20 inparticular, there is a first pivot point to spin each of the lightpanels 360 degrees and is created by attaching a spindle 112 to thelight head and having it protrude down and out of the bottom. Moreover,a threaded part of the spindle 112 is compressed by a threaded washer tocreate a resistance force when spinning. Also, an up and down fold iscreated with, for example, wave washers being compressed and mounted tothe side of the light.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrates a modular storage system 114 including alight according to another embodiment. The light of FIGS. 21 and 22 canilluminate 360 degrees as an area light or can be a task focused lightand have a beam angle of between 90 degrees and 120 degrees. As shown inFIGS. 21 and 22 , the light is a dome luminaire that provides tasklighting. The dome luminaire is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative tothe modular storage system.

FIG. 23 illustrates a modular storage system 116 including a lightaccording to another embodiment. The light of FIG. 23 can illuminate 360degrees as an area light or can be a task focused light and have a beamangle of 120 degrees. As shown in FIG. 23 , the light is a main panel118 that is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the modular storagesystem, and the auxiliary panels fold off (e.g., pivot from) of the mainpanel.

FIG. 24 illustrates a modular storage system 120 including a lightaccording to another embodiment. The light of FIG. 24 can be transportedwith the modular storage system 120 and can be integrated into anyconfiguration and location on the system. In the illustrated embodiment,the light is stored on (e.g., coupled to) the top of the modular storagesystem 120, but in other embodiments, the light may be stored on (e.g.,coupled to) other locations of the modular storage system. The light mayhave cleats on the bottom and top of the light allow users to store thelight in any configuration of the modular storage system. Alternatively,cleats on the bottom and top of the light allow users to store the lightin any configuration of the modular storage system and the light canfunction/illuminate an area from any of those locations. It is withinthe scope of this application that in one or more embodiments a userinterface (UI) and a battery of the modular storage system areaccessible in any location on the modular storage system.

FIGS. 25-28 illustrate a modular storage system 122 in which a lightfunctions both on and off the modular storage system. Moreover, thelight is capable of attaching to multiple different surfaces or objectsby a coupling mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 , the lightincludes a coupling mechanism that is a clamp, which couples the lightto another different surface or object. The clamp 124 functions with oneor more biasing mechanisms (e.g., springs) that compress as the clamp ispulled away from the light. Once the clamp 124 is around the surface orobject, the clamp is released such that it retracts and catches on thesurface object thereby holding the light in place. In other oralternative embodiments (FIGS. 27 and 28 ), the coupling mechanism mayinclude magnets 126 that couple the light to metal surfaces or objects.Additionally or alternatively, the light may include a handle thatallows the user to carry or transport the light on the job site.

The lights shown and described herein in FIGS. 13-28 have a colortemperature of 4000K and a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 80(e.g., 80+). Moreover, the lights shown and described herein in FIGS.13-28 can output at least 2500 lumens with a four hour runtime with a5.0 amp hour battery pack. Additionally, the lights shown and describedherein in FIGS. 13-28 can output at least 300 lumen while in a pathlighting flood mode with a ten hour runtime with a 5.0 hour batterypack. The lights shown and described herein in FIGS. 13-28 also have abeam angle for area lighting of 360 degrees and task lighting of 90degrees to 120 degrees. The lights, the modular storage system, or bothhave an integrated charging system to charge direct current (DC)batteries from an alternative current (AC) power source. The system isefficient as well (e.g., LED driver, optic, LED). The light is durablein harsh weather conditions and is still able to operate on the jobsite. The light has an indoor storage/outdoor use product rating. Thatis, the battery is sealed in a compartment with a gasket. The light isIP54 rated. The lights shown and described herein in FIGS. 13-28 havethermal dissipation of respective engines thereof with heat sinking.

FIG. 29 illustrates a modular storage system 128 including stackablecontainers 130, which are movable by one or more wheels.

FIGS. 30-32 illustrate lights 132 for use with the modular storagesystem of FIG. 29 . The lights have a battery platform. Also, the lightshave stacking mechanisms on either or both of the top and the bottomsuch that that lights can be stacked on one or more of the containers ofthe modular storage system. In a specific embodiment, the lights consumeat least half a width stack. The lights are useable while coupled to themodular storage system. All functions (e.g., the battery, controls,lighting, etc.) of the lights are accessible while coupled to themodular storage system.

The lights are also usable while not coupled to the modular storagesystem. The lights are capable of emitting light in 360 degrees. Thelights are capable of being powered by direct current (DC), alternatingcurrent (AC) or both. The lights are easily transportable as well.

With respect to FIG. 32 , the lights are positionable on the modularstorage system. As shown in FIG. 32 , the lights illuminate the path infront of a user while moving the modular storage system. The lights mayalso be oriented to illuminate a desired area when the modular storagesystem is stationary. The user has the ability to control light outputdirection. Moreover, as discussed in greater detail below, the lightsare also capable of being coupled to another object such as a pipe,stud, beam, ladder or other object.

FIG. 33-35 illustrates a light for use with a modular storage systemaccording to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 33-35 , the light 134has a head or panel 136 that is movable relative to the modular storagesystem. That is the head may be pivotable, rotatable, or both relativeto the modular storage system.

FIG. 36 illustrates a light 138 for use with a modular storage systemaccording to another embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.36 the light 138 is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled to a container.The light 138 may be positioned in a lid of the container 140 forexample. Accordingly, the light 138 may be movable (e.g., pivotable)relative to the container 140 and may be used as a stand. Additionallyor alternatively, the light 138 be positioned on a support that ismovable (e.g., slideable, pivotable, rotatable) relative to thecontainer. The support may be a telescoping support that is movablerelative to the container. Alternatively or additionally, the light 138may be movable (e.g., slideable, pivotable, rotatable) relative to thesupport and may also be pivotable or rotatable relative to thecontainer. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 36 the container 140may also provide storage space. The storage space may be inside thecontainer 140 or outside the container 140. Moreover, the light 138 mayinclude a main panel 142 and auxiliary panels 144 that are coupled andfoldable relative to the main panel 142. The main panel 142 andauxiliary panels 144 may each be movable (e.g., pivotable or rotatable)to adjust the direction of the light. Regardless of the construction ofthe light 138, the light 138 is compact, emits light 360 degrees,illuminates the path of the user, and provides storage for smallaccessories and hand tools. Moreover, the light 138 may be constructedas a tower light or a task light.

FIG. 37 illustrates a light 146 according to another embodiment. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 37 the light 146 is movably (e.g.,pivotably) coupled to a container 148. In particular, in a firstposition the light 146 is adjacent the container 148 and in a secondposition the light 146 is spaced apart from the container 148 by asupport. In the second position, the light 146 is movable (e.g.,pivotable or rotatable) relative to the container 148 about the support.In the illustrated embodiment the light 146 may be pivotable orrotatable in two directions (e.g., about two axes). The light 146 may bea single panel with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or multiple panels withLEDs. The multiple LED panels may be movable or foldable relative to oneanother. Additionally or alternatively, lights 146 may be incorporatedin a housing of the container 148. The container 148 includes a couplingmechanism (e.g., magnets) such that the container 148, with the light146 can be coupled to an object (e.g., beam or post). Moreover, thelight 146 is compact, emits light 360 degrees, illuminates the path ofthe user, and provides storage for small accessories and hand tools.Moreover, the light 146 may be constructed as a tower light or a tasklight.

FIG. 38 illustrates a light 150 according to another embodiment. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 38 , the light 150 includes first andsecond light panels, which include LEDs 154, and that are movable (e.g.,foldable) relative to one another. The light 150 also has a handle 156to make it transportable. The light 150 is movably (e.g., pivotably)coupled to a container. The container includes a coupling mechanism(e.g., magnets 152) such that the container, with the light, can becoupled to an object (e.g., beam or post). Moreover, the light 150 iscompact, emits light 360 degrees, illuminates the path of the user, andprovides storage for small accessories and hand tools. Moreover, thelight 150 may be constructed as a tower light or a task light. In aspecific embodiment the light 150 is powered by battery 158.

FIG. 39 illustrates a hand-held light for use with the modular storagesystem. In one aspect, the light 160 is positioned or incorporatedwithin an elongate body. The elongate body is movably coupled to ahousing, which receives a power source (e.g., battery pack). In theillustrated embodiment, the elongate body is hingedly coupled to thehousing. The housing may be removably coupled to a container of themodular storage system and therefore the light may be movable orpivotable to the container. The elongate body may be formed from orinclude frosted glass.

In another aspect of FIG. 39 , the light 160 is movably coupled to ahousing, which is removably coupled to a container of the modularstorage system. The lights 160 may be coupled to a support, whichextends from the housing. Moreover, the lights 160 may be movable (e.g.,pivotable or rotatable) about the supports. In the illustratedembodiment, the lights 160 are pivotable about two axes. Additionally oralternatively, the light 160 may be movable or pivotable within thehousing about axis 166. In a specific embodiment, light 160 and/orbattery pack 164 may be stacked on one or more boxes 168.

In another aspect of FIG. 39 , the lights 160 are movably (e.g.,pivotably or rotatably) coupled to the power source or battery pack 164.In this aspect, each of the lights 160 moves (e.g., pivots) to anopposite side of the battery pack. Moreover, the lights 160 may berotatable about their own axes. The lights 160 and battery pack 164 canbe selectively placed in slots in the container. That is, the batterypack 164 can be placed in one slot, while the lights 160 may be placedin adjacent slots. The user can alter the configuration of the lights160 by manipulating or placing the battery pack 164 and lights 160 invarious slots in the container. The lights 160 may be coupled to thesame surface of the battery pack 164 or opposite surfaces of the batterypack.

In each aspect of FIG. 39 the lights 160 are couplable and movable(e.g., pivotable, rotatable) relative to a container of the modularsupport system, but are also configured to be hand-held. Moreover, thelight 160 may have LEDs 162 on a single surface or multiple surfaces.Also, the container may have a housing with lights positioned within thehousing. Accordingly, the light may provide path illumination or taskillumination.

Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of thedisclosure as described.

It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for description purposes only andshould not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in thevarious exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Someelements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwisevaried, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions maybe altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logicalalgorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according toalternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes andomissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intendedthat any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, thearticle “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, andis not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein,“rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a mannersuch that the components move together in a fixed positionalrelationship when acted upon by a force.

Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any ofthe features, and any such combination of features may be claimed inthis or future applications. Any of the features, elements or componentsof any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilizedalone or in combination with any of the features, elements or componentsof any of the other embodiments discussed above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stackable lighting unit configured to couple toa stackable storage unit, the stackable lighting unit comprising: ahousing defining a bottom surface; a top panel pivotally coupled to thehousing, the top panel defining a top surface; a first light pivotallycoupled to the housing, the first light pivotally rotating with respectto the housing about a first rotational axis; and a plurality ofcoupling components that detachably couple the stackable lighting unitto the stackable storage unit, the plurality of coupling componentsextending from the top surface.
 2. The stackable lighting unit of claim1, comprising a battery interface configured to interface to arechargeable battery for personal power tools.
 3. The stackable lightingunit of claim 1, comprising a storage compartment defined within thehousing.
 4. The stackable lighting unit of claim 3, wherein the storagecompartment is dimensioned to receive a cellular telephone.
 5. Thestackable lighting unit of claim 1, each of the plurality of couplingcomponents comprising a recess and two ledges that overhang the recess.6. The stackable lighting unit of claim 1, the first light is rotatablewith respect to the housing about a second rotational axis that isperpendicular to the first rotational axis.
 7. The stackable lightingunit of claim 1, comprising a second light coupled to the housing. 8.The stackable lighting unit of claim 7, comprising a third light coupledto the housing, and a plurality of lighting modes in which differentcombinations of the first light and the second light, and the thirdlight are illuminated when different ones of the plurality of lightingmodes are selected.
 9. The stackable lighting unit of claim 7, thesecond light pivotally rotating with respect to the housing about athird rotational axis.
 10. The stackable lighting unit of claim 9, thethird rotational axis is different than the first rotational axis.
 11. Astackable lighting unit configured to couple to a stackable storageunit, the stackable lighting unit comprising: a housing defining abottom surface; a top panel pivotally coupled to the housing, the toppanel defining a top surface; a first light coupled to the housing; afirst plurality of coupling components extending from the bottomsurface, the first plurality of coupling components configured to couplethe stackable lighting unit to an upper surface of the stackable storageunit; and a second plurality of coupling components extending from thetop surface, the second plurality of coupling components configured tocouple the stackable lighting unit to a lower surface of the stackablestorage unit opposite the upper surface.
 12. The stackable lighting unitof claim 11, comprising a storage compartment defined within thehousing.
 13. The stackable lighting unit of claim 12, wherein thestorage compartment is dimensioned to receive a cellular telephone, thestackable lighting unit comprising a USB-compliant electrical outlet.14. The stackable lighting unit of claim 11, comprising a batteryinterface configured to interface to a rechargeable battery for personalpower tools.
 15. The stackable lighting unit of claim 11, each of thesecond plurality of coupling components comprising a recess and twoledges that overhang the recess.
 16. A stackable lighting unitconfigured to couple to a stackable storage unit, the stackable lightingunit comprising: a housing defining a bottom surface; a top panelpivotally coupled to the housing, the top panel defining a top surface;a first light coupled to the housing; a second light coupled to thehousing, the second light distinct from the first light; and a firstplurality of coupling components that couple the stackable lighting unitto the stackable storage unit, the first plurality of couplingcomponents extending from one of the top surface and the bottom surface.17. The stackable lighting unit of claim 16, comprising a batteryinterface configured to interface to a rechargeable battery for personalpower tools.
 18. The stackable lighting unit of claim 16, comprising astorage compartment defined within the housing.
 19. The stackablelighting unit of claim 18, comprising a USB-compliant electrical outlet.20. The stackable lighting unit of claim 16, the first plurality ofcoupling components extending from the top surface, each of the firstplurality of coupling components comprising a recess and two ledges thatoverhang the recess.